Exploring Silk Aquatint — The Painterly Intaglio Process
Workshop with Jennifer LynchExploring Silk Aquatint
July 13-17, 2026
Limited to 8
Exploring Silk Aquatint — The Painterly Intaglio Process
Silk Aquatint is an innovative and versatile intaglio printmaking technique that combines the rich tonal depth of aquatint using safe and non-toxic materials. In this process, a plexiglass plate is laminated with polyester silkscreen material, adhered with polymer and black acrylic. The fabric’s weave holds ink like an aquatint, creating a plate that produces a 100 percent black image. Participants will then work subtractively, gradually painting layers of polymer medium tinted with titanium white to reveal light and form, moving from black toward white. The more layers applied, the lighter the image becomes as the mesh of the fabric is filled in.
Silk Aquatint offers extraordinary potential, allowing for realistic, painterly renderings, geometric compositions, or free-form abstractions. Because the plates are non-metallic, they will not oxidize, and they support the use of vibrant color inks and multiple overprinted layers for complex, luminous effects.
Whether you are new to intaglio or an experienced printmaker eager to expand your range, this workshop offers hands-on guidance, technical insight, and space for creative exploration in a supportive studio setting.
Come discover how light emerges from darkness through the layered language of Silk Aquatint.
What’s Included
Everything specific to making plates and printing that isn’t on the ‘What to Bring’ list
MakingArtSafely is a well stocked and tooled studio.
What to Bring
Imagination!
notebook and pencil for jotting down notes
Personal apron, if you have one – we have lots if not
Dress to get dirty! Please do not wear any clothes you care about getting ink on.
Sketchbook
Art box with tools that you use frequently, such as a favorite stencil, pencil, drawing tools, erasers, scissors, tape, etc.
Some textural fabrics and papers, ribbon, string, and other found material that lay flat and are not too thick, under 1/16”, I will also have items for everyone to share.
Workshop Itinerary
- Monday morning begins with students arriving at the studio between 9:30-10 AM.
- Daily instruction is 10 AM to 4 PM with the studio open to students between 9:30 AM and 7 PM. Exception is Friday when the workshop ends at 4 PM.
- Bring a lunch everyday except Wednesday when we go out Dutch for a late lunch. There is refrigeration for your food and drinks.